A November Bride by Beth Vogt Page A

We’re also throwing ourselves a surprise wedding on Sadie Hawkins Day, no less.” He reached out his hand and tugged her to him. “And if you recall, I saw you earlier when we did the ‘reveal’ photo. You were gorgeous then too.”
    “Thank you. For . . . all of this.”
    “You know, you never told me your full name. I guess I’m going to finally find out, huh?”
    She matched his whisper. “It’s Sadie J. Just ‘J.’ My parents couldn’t agree on my middle name, so they let the initial stand.”
    “That’s it?”
    “Yes. Disappointed?”
    He leaned forward and brushed a kiss across her lips. “How could I be disappointed? I’m marrying my best friend.”
    Ashley interrupted their romantic moment. “Phillip sent me after the missing groom. He’s about to make the announcement and then marry you two, which means he needs Erik in the living room and you in the kitchen. Come on! It’s time to surprise everyone.”
    A few minutes later, her father entered the kitchen. “Your friend Ashley told me that you . . .” His voice trailed off.
    Sadie touched the creamy ivory material surrounding the flowers in her bouquet. “Would you mind giving me away?”
    “Here?” Her father’s eyebrows rose over his tortoiseshell glasses. “Now?”
    “Well, not here, in the kitchen. I’d like you to walk me out to the living room—” Sadie paused. Yes, Phillip was informing the guests that the informal party to announce their engagement was actually their wedding too. Gasps echoed all the way through the living room, dining room, and into the kitchen. “—now.”
    Her father bent and kissed her cheek. “You’re putting a little twist on tradition, you know. My grandmother was married in her parents’ living room—only they didn’t have a single photo of the event.”
    “I’d forgotten about that.” Sadie squeezed her father’s arm.
    “You’ll certainly have some stories to tell your children.”
    “And probably some explaining to do to our guests.”
    “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that—I think everyone is enjoying being part of the surprise.”
    Mel switched on Colbie Caillat’s “Realize,” the song Erik had selected for the processional, and then stepped back.
    “I’ll slip into the living room after you.” She handed Sadie her phone. “But you have a message.”
    “I’m not answering my phone now.”
    “Um, I think you’re going to want to read this text message.”
    Who on earth was texting her now?
    S ADIE J, I LOVE YOU . W ILL YOU MARRY ME ?
    “One second, Dad.” She handed Mel her bouquet and half-turned as her fingers tapped the keyboard.
    I ALREADY SAID YES . . . AND IN JUST A MINUTE I’ LL SAY I DO .
    H URRY UP , WILL YOU ?
    S TOP TEXTING ME AND I WILL .
    She tossed the phone to Mel. “Mute this thing, please. I won’t be needing it for a while.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Thanks for such a lovely ‘engagement party.’ ” She winked as she retrieved her bouquet. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a man in my living room who wants to marry me—and I don’t want to keep him waiting. After all, it’s been seventeen years. I think we’ve both waited quite long enough.”

1. Sadie and Erik became friends in middle school and remained best friends for years before falling in love. What’s your experience with a friendship turning into a romance?
    2. Erik planned three fun dates to woo Sadie: a trip to the Denver Aquarium, a night out learning to swing dance at the Mercury Café, and breakfast cooked at his apartment (with online chaperones). What other fun dates would you have planned for Sadie and Erik?
    3. Sadie’s self-image was affected by a childhood experience: being diagnosed with a lazy eye and having to wear an eye patch and glasses for a number of years during elementary school. She was also teased (bullied) by other classmates. Have you or someone you know ever been bullied by other kids? How did this affect you (or them)?
    4. Have you ever gone to a